M’sia seeks faster repatriation of 5,000 undocumented Filipinos

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan led Malaysia's delegation to discuss accelerating the return of over 5,000 undocumented Filipinos currently held in four immigration facilities in Sabah. During the 9th Malaysia-Philippines Joint Commission Meeting, screening by the Philippine embassy revealed that nearly 1,000 migrants were eligible for immediate deportation. Hasan emphasized the need for the Philippine government to swiftly repatriate its citizens as the detention centers in Sabah are nearing capacity.

Both nations also addressed the educational needs of the undocumented migrants' children in Sabah. Malaysia agreed to assess the requirements for their continued education before any repatriation occurs, with the condition that all schools be managed directly by the Philippine government to ensure proper oversight. The matter of Sabah's status as part of Malaysia was not directly discussed but was reiterated as a matter of international law, citing UN recognition of Sabah as Malaysian territory.